Scratch Built Structures Add Realism To Model Railroad Layouts

February 10, 2006

Constructing a custom built scale building or structure can take considerable time and requires a good eye for detail, a steady hand and a lot of patience.

Highly detailed scratchbuild models are not built over night. Some takes days even weeks to complete. However, for many model railroaders custom building their own structures is not an easy option. Sometimes it is due to a lack of time, some lack a steady hand to complete the detail, and others simply prefer to buy ready-made structures and add their own detail and weathering effects. It really depends on individual circumstances, skills, preferences, time available and what you are trying to achieve.

The interesting thing is that many model railroaders are not aware that there are skilled designers who specialize in custom building as an occupation.

These photos are a sample of what a professional designer can create.

The photos are kindly supplied by Vance from Trains HO. Vance is a pro at custom building HO scale buildings and structures, highly detailed for HO train layouts. Have a look at his HO scale model train website and see some more of the brilliant buildings and structures he has created for other model railroaders.